Electrolytes

Question 1

What are electrolytes?

Answer 1

Minerals in the body that have an electric charge, found in blood, urine, tissues and other body fluids

Question 2

What do electrolytes do?

Answer 2

Maintain homeostasis by balancing water content and the body’s pH level, ensure healthy function of nerves, muscles, the heart and the brain

Question 3

What are electrolytes obtained from a balanced diet?

Answer 3

Sodium, calcium, potassium, chloride, phosphate and magnesium

Question 4

What is homeostasis?

Answer 4

The process of keeping the internal environment of any organism/cell relatively constant and different from its external environment - required to keep it alive.

Question 5

Why must a cell import some substances and export others?

Answer 5

To keep the concentrations of ions inside any cell at a different level from the concentrations outside

Question 6

Do electrolytes carry a charge?

Answer 6

Yes

Question 7

Which of sodium and potassium higher extracellularly?

Answer 7

Sodium

Question 8

Can your body cope if fluid is not balanced?

Answer 8

Yes the body can adapt but this is not healthy

Question 9

Which enzyme is produced in the kidneys in response to sympathetic stimulation and altered blood flow?

Answer 9

Renin

Question 10

What does renin do?

Answer 10

Converts angiotensin to angiotensin I

Question 11

How is angiotensin I converted to angiotensin II

Answer 11

In the lungs by angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)

Question 12

What does angiotensin II do?

Answer 12

Constricts blood vessels, increasing blood pressure - most important constrictor in the body

Question 13

What does angiotensin II stimulate to produce the hormone aldosterone?

Answer 13

The adrenal cortex

Question 14

What does aldosterone activate?

Answer 14

The pump in the distal renal tubule leading to reabsorption of Na+ and water from the urine in exchange for K+ and H+ ions

Question 15

How does control of water balance work?

Answer 15

Increased plasma Na+ concentration causes thirst and release of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) from the posterior pituitary which increases the passive water reabsorption from renal collecting dusts

Question 16

Are electrolytes important for transport?

Answer 16

Yes

Question 17

What are the clinical features of low body sodium?

Answer 17

Cellular over hydration, confusion, fits

Question 18

What are the clinical features of water excess?

Answer 18

Hypertension, cardiac failure, oedema, anorexia (patients may drink more water), nausea, muscle weakness

Question 19

What are the clinical features of high body sodium?

Answer 19

Cellular dehydration, thirst, confusion, coma

Question 20

What are the clinical features of water deficiency?

Answer 20

Hypotension, low pulse volume, decreased skin turgor (elasticity), peripheral vasoconstriction, tachycardia, raised plasma protein

Question 21

What is the definition of dehydration?

Answer 21

When the body loses more fluid than it takes in

Question 22

What are the early signs of dehydration?

Answer 22

Feeling thirsty and lightheaded, dark coloured, strong smelling urine, peeing less than usual

Question 23

What are the signs of dehydration in babies?

Answer 23

Sunken soft spot (fontanelle) on their head, few or no tears when crying, fewer wet nappies, drowsiness. Note: body is affected even when they lose a small amount of fluid